Hints for Effective Letters

Writing a letter is the most effective action you can take to ensure that you, and future generations, will have healthy forests and quiet recreation.

• The most effective letters are those that use your own words.
• Letters don't have to be lengthy or eloquent (or even spelled correctly!).
• You don't have to be an expert on a topic or on natural resources to qualify as a letter-writer.
• Remember: the National Forests are your public land. The Forest Service works for you!

In your letter, share personal experiences and stories that illustrate why you value wildland's protection and why effective management is so critical.

• Share horror stories such as examples of how specific events or degradation of an area affected your quiet hike or ruined your favorite trail.
  
• Land managers are human and most genuinely care about the land and your experiences. Keep your comments polite and respectful.

Include photos if you have them.

• Before and after photos are particularly effective.
  
• Show some of your favorite places that need protection or have suffered because of poor management decisions.
  
• Tell where the photo was taken and share how you felt when you discovered the changes in your favorite places.

Using your own words is critical.

• Submitting form letters is more like signing a petition and does not have the impact.
  
• If you simply don’t have the time to write a complete letter, at least change the first few sentences and add just a little of our personal experience.